Struggles with 1st and reverse gear

MOTOcity

MOTOcity

Member
Joined
Dec 19, 2018
Messages
48
Location
Salt Lake City
1997 manual. Within the last few days its been a pain in the arse to put into first gear from a stop light. Same goes for reverse when backing out of garage. I dont hear any grinding, i just really need to shove the stick into gear.

is something catastrophic about to happen to transmission or is this a simple trans fluid flush?
 
You might be experiencing some clutch issues. Either the slave cylinder is going out or the clutch is worn down to where it's not separating the pressure plate from the clutch disc and causing the shifting problems
 
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MutantNinjaTJ said:
You might be experiencing some clutch issues. Either the slave cylinder is going out or the clutch is worn down to where it's not separating the pressure plate from the clutch disc and causing the shifting problems
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if thats the issue, would this be a clutch replacement or clutch repair? ive only had this jeep for about 2 months now, not sure if this is the original clutch.
 
Yes might be worth a fluid change—use Redline MT-90 for your AX-5. But if you've only noticed it the past few days, it could be a master/slave cylinder issue, maybe a bad seal. Does the issue improve after pumping the clutch pedal a few times first?
 
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bromel said:
Yes might be worth a fluid change—use Redline MT-90 for your AX-5. But if you've only noticed it the past few days, it could be a master/slave cylinder issue, maybe a bad seal. Does the issue improve after pumping the clutch pedal a few times first?
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nope. its consistently difficult to shift into 1st and R
 
Didn’t get a chance to update. Found the issue with first and reverse. That huge plate that hold the shaft in place was falling off. Bolts rusted off. Photo shows plate in place. It was previously hanging low about 4 inches

05D73B76-0D08-4AB5-8595-D60CF93F7200.jpeg
 
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Based on that picture...your problems go considerably deeper than simply the skid plate/trans mount.

Your body is completely rotted through on top of the body mount. I would strongly consider, if you are not qualified to do it yourself, taking it to a shop and having the rest of the frame and underbody inspected for rust penetration.
 
PatMc said:
Based on that picture...your problems go considerably deeper than simply the skid plate/trans mount.

Your body is completely rotted through on top of the body mount. I would strongly consider, if you are not qualified to do it yourself, taking it to a shop and having the rest of the frame and underbody inspected for rust penetration.
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yea. Sadly this TJ’s days are limited. I just bought a new set of bfG ko2 tires. As soon as those tires a worn out I’ll probably trade up for new. I just need to keep it running until then. This is a huge problem for many people in Utah. The salt they use on roads during the winter wreaks havoc under cars.
 
MOTOcity said:
yea. Sadly this TJ’s days are limited. I just bought a new set of bfG ko2 tires. As soon as those tires a worn out I’ll probably trade up for new. I just need to keep it running until then. This is a huge problem for many people in Utah. The salt they use on roads during the winter wreaks havoc under cars.
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Keeping in mind that your transmission just about fell out due to rust...I'm not sure it's got a set of tires left in. Think what would happen in any sort of collision with the body held on by those mounts.

I'd be afraid to hit the brakes too hard.
 
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Sorry for resurrecting an almost 2 year old thread but… I have the exact same issue. So am I to understand from what @MOTOcity described as the resolution, that it’s possible my trans skid isn’t adequately supporting my trans and that’s why 1st and Rev require too much muscle to engage at full stop?
 
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